Meeting and Greeting

 Being introduced

When being introduced to someone, or introducing yourself, basic manners go a long way. Always be polite and attentive regardless of the person’s age, sex, or status. Extend your hand and greet them sincerely by saying “How’s it going” - or in a more formal setting, “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” People will pay less attention to your choice of pleasantries than to the way you express them - so smile, look them in the eye, stand up straight, and speak clearly.



If you’re sitting down when you’re introduced to someone who is standing, it is both polite and practical to also stand. This allows you to talk at eye level and makes shaking hands more comfortable. Be careful not to stay standing too long however, as it may seem rude to the other people sitting with you.



Meeting a group

We can often find ourselves being introduced to a number of people at once. When this happens, try to greet each person with as much enthusiasm as you would if they were alone. If however, the group is particularly large, you may find that going around in a circle shaking each individual’s hand may be awkward and disrupt conversation. If that is so, no one will think you rude for simply nodding and smiling at the people to whom you’re being introduced. If you find yourself able to shake some hands but not others (because, for example, you're sitting down and cannot reach them across the table), it is still polite to shake those hands you can reach, even if you can only nod to the others.



Making introductions

Everyone appreciates a person who is helpful when making introductions. Remember, the people you’re introducing do not know each other as well as you may know them and may not feel quite so at ease.



A good introduction can be done simply and quickly. The key is to say both names and give a small piece of information about each person, which can be used as a starting point for further conversation. For example, “Mr. Senior, I would like you to meet Mr. Junior. I was just telling Mr. Junior how your experience in the construction industry could be helpful to a report he is writing.” As in the example, always present the younger or less senior person to the older or more senior. This is a simple mark of respect which, even in today’s less formal society, is still appreciated.
If you introduce two people and it’s obvious they have little in common, don’t walk away. While most strangers are capable of handling idle conversation, neither person will be very happy if you leave them standing there feeling awkward.

source:modernetiquette.co.nz